The European association representing fish processing and trading companies welcomes measures to combat the economic impact of COVID-19 but warns that further efforts are needed.
AIPCE-CEP represents the European fish processing and trading companies and has been working to maintain the supply of fish and seafood during the current crisis.
The industry has been dealing with a general disruption of demand resulting in dire consequences for the supply chain of fresh fish. Conversely, companies active in frozen seafood and shelf-stable products are facing strong demand. They are able to provide the market currently, but may face problems in the near future to rebuild their stocks if there are problems with logistics.
AIPCE-CEP is therefore urging the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to include the processing part of the value chain in its extraordinary measures. It argues that import procedures have to be agile and flexible and take into consideration the impact on shipment and transport services and that legislative procedures and some entry into force dates have to be put on pause.
